Fi Williams was the first runner to start this year and was followed 3 minutes later by new boy Harry Perrin.
By the time he reached the Coombe, Harry had caught Fi and started the climb of Magor Hill in the lead.
By now the rest of the runners had all started and were haring down through the woods in hot pursuit.

Martin Symons had made a fast start, three minutes behind Harry and by the time they had reached Mount Whistle, Martin had taken the lead.

Harry was not taking it lying down and upped his pace to try and stay with the new slim-fit, whippet Symons lad.
He managed to stay in Martin’s slipstream for a good while before a small gap started to form and Martin managed to inch away.
Taking the left turn into South Drive, Martin could smell the finish and with Helen and George battling for third and fourth place some way back, the 2009 title was there for the taking.
Harry kept up his charge and bagged second place as George and Helen came into view hurtling down to the finish.

Steve Phillips finished strong after having a bad time early on by going off too fast and then a stop to fix a loose shoelace.
Hodgey also made a school-boy error by taking too long warming up and missing his start time by nearly a minute.  He managed the fastest actual time of the day though, with a 23:35 clocking.  Shame he missed his start slot.  Rules is rules, Chris!  He now joins Max Doble in the 1p club!!!!
Mark Dorrell rounded off with a solid run and soon all the runners were home.

The presentation took place in the car park to crown Martin as this year’s victor/bandit.
Then it was mince pies all round and into the café for a warming brew.

Thanks for all those who turned out and ran/supported. A special Thank You to those who did the official bits like timekeeping, photos etc.

Merry Christmas.               For Results Click Here